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2nd December 2008

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New words in US dictionary

08.07.08

US dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster has added more than 100 new entries to its new edition of the Collegiate Dictionary, reports the Washington Post.

The new edition now includes edamame (green soybeans), pescatarian (a vegetarian who eats fish) and prosecco (a sparkling Italian wine) among the new word.

The dictionary publisher says it picked the new entries after monitoring their use over years. Many of the new entries--such as prosecco and soju (a Korean vodka distilled from rice)--reflect the US's growing interest in the culinary arts.

Others define new technology or products, such as infinity pool--an outdoor pool with an edge designed to make water appear to flow into the horizon.

John Morse, Merriam-Webster's president and publisher, said the cleverness of many internet-related terms makes them easy to grasp and gives them staying power.

Webinar (an online meeting) is new, along with netroots (political grassroots activists who communicate online, especially in blogs).

Washington Post

academic Global Merriam Webster